[lɒk], (Noun)

Definitions:
- a mechanism for keeping a door, window, lid, or container fastened, typically operated by a key
(e.g: the key turned firmly in the lock)

- a short section of a canal or river with gates and sluices at each end which can be opened or closed to change the water level, used for raising and lowering boats
(e.g: there was a lock every quarter of a mile)

- the turning of the front wheels of a vehicle to change its direction of motion

- a player in the second row of a scrum

- a person or thing that is certain to succeed; a certainty
(e.g: all of this makes him a lock to make the Hall of Fame)

- a mechanism for exploding the charge of a gun


Phrases:
- have a lock on
- lock horns
- lock, stock, and barrel
- under lock and key

Origin:
Old English loc, of Germanic origin; related to German Loch ‘hole’

[lɒk], (Verb)

Definitions:
- fasten or secure (something) with a lock
(e.g: she closed and locked her desk)

- restrict access to the full functionality or data of (a computer, mobile phone, file, etc.), especially by requiring a user to verify their identity with a passcode or other form of authentication
(e.g: my computer is locked and I've forgotten my login info)

- make or become rigidly fixed or immovable
(e.g: he locked his hands behind her neck)

- go through a lock on a canal
(e.g: we locked through at Moore Haven)


Phrases:
- have a lock on
- lock horns
- lock, stock, and barrel
- under lock and key

Origin:
Old English loc, of Germanic origin; related to German Loch ‘hole’

[lɒk], (Noun)

Definitions:
- a piece of a person's hair that coils or hangs together
(e.g: she pushed back a lock of hair)


Phrases:

Origin:
Old English locc, of Germanic origin; related to Dutch lok, German Locke, possibly also to lock